Over the centuries and under the rule, first of the Viscount, then the Gonzaga families, Castiglione has always been an important economic, agricultural and industrial centre.

Castiglione delle Stivere

"Over the centuries and under the rule, first of the Viscount, then the Gonzaga families, Castiglione has always been an important economic, agricultural and industrial centre. The beating heart of the town, Dallò square, lies at the centre of an interesting urban system that has retained the vestiges of the ancient castrum it once was.

Other important landmarks are the ruins of the stately home and birthplace of Luigi Gonzaga, the Jesuit priest canonized in 1726, and the square named after him where the San Luigi Basilica-Sanctuary stands. Built in 1612, the Sanctuary houses the relics of the Saint and his nieces, clerics Cinzia, Olympia and Gridonia Gonzaga who founded the Virgins of Jesus congregation and relative College which currently houses the Aloysius Museum. Another emblematic building of historical and artistic interest is the International Red Cross Museum located inside the 18th century Longhi Palace; this distinctive building preserves objects and documents chronicling the beginnings of the Red Cross Movement, started by Henry Dunant.

In addition to the many stately homes and town theatre built in 1843, the town boasts many other historical attractions; notable among these are the Castle and walls built by the Gonzaga family, the Pastore Park and Palace, Palazzo Meghini (originally housing the Menghini nursery and now an art gallery and meeting rooms) and Palazzo Bondoni Pastorio, a historic house museum and important cultural venue.

Castiglione has a busy calendar of events with something of interest happening every month, as well as a variety of local food and wine specialities. The biggest occasion of the year is the local flower festival - Castiglione in fiore - which very cleverly combines floriculture with history, tradition and needless to say, the fine local cuisine.

The town itself is set against a verdant natural backdrop that can be easily explored by bike.
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